CATCHING Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

catching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈka-chiŋ

as in infectious

capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease

Synonyms & Similar Words

catching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of catch

as in grabbing

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in getting

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stopping

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in knowing

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tricking

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in encountering

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noticing

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chasing

to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

falling short

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catching

Adjective

In the snaps, Hemsworth can be seen catching waves alongside his twin sons, Sasha and Tristan, 12, as well as cliff jumping and spending time with some friends by the water. —

Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026 The team also caught a break as far as their catching depth with veteran Eric Haase clearing waivers and starting for the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats on Wednesday. —

Shayna Rubin, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026

Verb

Midwives were used to taking care of mothers, offering medicines, catching babies, cutting cords, washing and swaddling. —

Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Mother-of-pearl has a way of catching the light that feels almost magical. —

Jaha Nailah Avery, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching

Adjective

Collaborating with the Centers for Disease and Control and the California Department of Public Health, county health officials are working with the above locations and agencies to identify potential close contacts who were exposed to measles during the infectious period.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 15 June 2026
What else is going on A person with an infectious case of the measles likely visited San Francisco International Airport, a Bay Area county has warned.

— Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026